With Health Canada’s approval to use Paxlovid to treat COVID, Saskatchewan health officials are expecting to get a first shipment of the oral antiviral pill this week.
The Pfizer drug is approved for people who test positive and are at high risk of severe outcomes including hospitalization or death. Paxlovid is taken twice a day for five days by those with COVID-19. It stops the virus from multiplying, to help people overcome the infection and potentially recover faster.
Health officials say more information on eligibility requirements and accessibility will be supplied in the coming days.
Monoclonal antibody treatment eligibility update
Since November 1st last year, residents who have received a positive test result on either a rapid antigen test or a PCR test have been able to access the monoclonal antibody treatment to help prevent serious COVID-19 outcomes. The province is updating the eligibility protocols for those who test positive and:
- Have not been vaccinated or are immunocompromised regardless of vaccination status
- Are within seven days of becoming symptomatic
- Are 55 years or older or 18 years and older with specific high-risk co-morbidity.
The previous requirement had been within five days of becoming symptomatic.
Residents may call the HealthLine 811 or 306-766-6388 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., seven days a week to speak with a clinician regarding monoclonal antibodies.